David Smith

Dave Smith was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and lived in Western Springs, Illinois, and Kirkwood, Missouri, before moving to Midland in 1945. He graduated from the Midland Public School system over 50 years ago. He has a BA in history/political science from the University of Michigan and Master’s degrees from Central Michigan University. He spent his entire career (39 years) in public education, six years in southern California and 33 years at Dow High School. He taught government and history at Dow High and was an assistant principal for 15 years.

Dave met his wife Linda in southern California, where he had been teaching for two years. They met the first day of school and married the last day 48 years ago! How romantic!! They have two daughters, Dalyn and Pari, who both live in Denver, Colorado, which is Linda’s hometown. They have two grandchildren, Harper,10, and Mason, 6. Dalyn is their mother.

Dave was invited to be a Rotarian by John (Mike) Wardwell in 1988, the year he became an assistant principal. Dave’s father was also a member of our Rotary Club when he lived in Midland. Dave helped with the youth exchange interviews of Midland students before he became a Rotarian. He has worked on the Salvation Army bell ringing, the Tridge walk and the River Days events. Most of his time has been devoted to youth exchange at the district and Central States level. To him, the people, the projects, the programs and what Rotary does are what brings him back each week.

Dave has been a member of the Junior Achievement board, the Music Society board (including two years as chair) and the Center for the Arts board. He has been a member of the Men of Music for over 30 years and also sings with Chorale. From April until the course is closed, he is a regular golfer at the Midland Country Club. Since retiring 13 years ago, he and his wife have done quite a bit of traveling, which they enjoy immensely.